The Broken Covenant and the God Who Weeps
- Be God's Glory
- Aug 14
- 12 min read
Welcome to Day 226 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 9–12 paints a vivid picture of Judah’s spiritual decay, God’s grief over His people, and the coming judgment for their unfaithfulness. In chapter 9, God laments the nation’s deceit, idolatry, and lack of truth, warning that their trust in worldly wisdom and strength will not save them. Chapter 10 contrasts the lifelessness of idols with the majesty and power of the living God, calling Judah to worship Him alone. Chapter 11 recalls the covenant made with their ancestors, exposing how Judah has broken it through persistent sin, and announces the coming disaster as a result. In chapter 12, Jeremiah questions why the wicked prosper, and God responds with a sobering reminder that greater trials are ahead, while also revealing the betrayal within Jeremiah’s own family and the nation’s stubborn rebellion. Throughout these chapters, God’s heart is seen in His call for repentance, His righteous anger against sin, and His ultimate desire to restore those who turn back to Him.
Jeremiah 9
Jeremiah 9 opens with the prophet expressing a deep desire to weep endlessly for the slain of his people, showing the heavy burden he carries for their spiritual and physical ruin. God exposes the nation’s corruption—everyone deceives, slanders, and refuses to acknowledge Him. The people have abandoned truth, choosing lies and wickedness, and the result is devastation and exile. God warns that judgment will come like refining fire to test and purify, yet few will repent. The chapter concludes with a call to glory only in understanding and knowing the Lord, who delights in steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. This chapter underscores that God values genuine relationship over empty self-confidence.
Jeremiah 10
Jeremiah 10 contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, warning the people not to learn the ways of the nations or fear their superstitions. Idols are described as decorated but powerless objects—crafted by human hands, unable to speak, walk, or save. In contrast, the Lord is the true Creator, sovereign over the earth, who demonstrates power in the thunder, rain, and storms. God declares that every idol will perish, and those who trust in them will face destruction. The chapter closes with Jeremiah’s prayer for God’s discipline in mercy and for His wrath to fall on the nations that refuse to acknowledge Him. This chapter calls God’s people to reject counterfeit gods and stand in awe of the one true God.
Jeremiah 11
In Jeremiah 11, God reminds Judah of the covenant He made with their ancestors when He brought them out of Egypt—a covenant that promised blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience. The people have broken this covenant, turning to other gods despite repeated warnings from the prophets. As a result, God announces that disaster is coming and that He will not listen when they cry out in distress. Jeremiah learns of a plot against his life from the people of his own hometown, Anathoth, because of his prophetic message. God assures Jeremiah that those plotting evil will be punished. This chapter emphasizes that covenant with God is not a formality—it demands faithful obedience and loyalty.
Jeremiah 12
In Jeremiah 12, the prophet wrestles with a deep question: why do the wicked seem to prosper while the faithful suffer? Jeremiah voices his complaint to God, acknowledging His righteousness yet struggling to reconcile the apparent success of the corrupt with the suffering of the righteous. God responds by challenging Jeremiah to prepare for even greater trials, using the imagery of running with footmen versus contending with horses to warn him that harder challenges lie ahead. The Lord reveals that even Jeremiah’s own relatives have betrayed him, underscoring the depth of treachery in Judah. God then laments the devastation of His beloved land due to the nation’s rebellion, declaring that the people will face judgment at the hands of their enemies. Yet, in the end, God promises restoration for both Israel and the surrounding nations if they learn His ways and swear allegiance to Him, showing His ultimate desire for repentance and reconciliation.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Jeremiah comes from the Hebrew Yirmĕyāhû or Yirmĕyāh, meaning “Yahweh will exalt,” “Yahweh appoints,” or “The Lord establishes.” This meaning reflects Jeremiah’s prophetic calling, as God appointed him before his birth to be “a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). The name itself is a prophetic statement of God’s sovereignty and purpose in raising up His messengers.
Purpose of the Book:
The Book of Jeremiah serves as both a record of God’s judgment and His invitation to repentance. Written during a time of national decline in Judah (late 7th to early 6th century B.C.), its purpose is to:
Warn Judah of the coming Babylonian invasion as a consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness.
Call the people to repentance, offering them the hope of restoration if they return to God.
Explain the fall of Jerusalem and the exile as part of God’s sovereign plan.
Provide hope for the future, pointing toward a new covenant where God’s law would be written on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:31–34).
It is both a book of judgment and a book of hope—showing God’s justice in punishing sin and His mercy in promising restoration.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The prophet Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, is credited as the author of the book, with assistance from his scribe Baruch son of Neriah.
Biblical evidence for Jeremiah as the author includes:
Jeremiah 1:1–2 – Clearly identifies Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, as the prophet who received the words of the Lord.
Jeremiah 36:1–4 – God commands Jeremiah to dictate His words to Baruch, who writes them down on a scroll.
Jeremiah 36:32 – After King Jehoiakim burns the first scroll, Jeremiah dictates the same words again to Baruch, along with additional messages.
2 Chronicles 35:25 – Mentions Jeremiah writing laments for King Josiah.
Daniel 9:2 – Refers to “the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet” as authoritative Scripture, confirming early recognition of his writings.
External historical sources also support Jeremiah’s authorship:
The Babylonian Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b–15a) lists Jeremiah as the author of his prophetic book, the Book of Kings, and Lamentations.
Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 10, Chapter 5) records Jeremiah as the prophet who warned of Jerusalem’s fall and wrote about it.
Ancient Septuagint manuscripts (Greek translation of the Old Testament, 3rd–2nd century B.C.) attribute the prophecies to Jeremiah, though in slightly different order than the Hebrew text.
Key People:
Jeremiah – The “weeping prophet,” called by God to warn Judah of coming judgment and to urge repentance.
Baruch son of Neriah – Jeremiah’s faithful scribe who recorded and preserved his messages.
King Josiah – The last godly king of Judah, under whom Jeremiah began his ministry.
King Jehoiakim – Rejected Jeremiah’s warnings and burned his prophetic scroll.
King Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile; vacillated between listening to Jeremiah and fearing his officials.
Nebuchadnezzar – King of Babylon who conquered Jerusalem and carried the people into exile.
Ebed-Melek – An Ethiopian court official who rescued Jeremiah from a cistern.
False prophets like Hananiah – Opposed Jeremiah’s message, promising peace when judgment was coming.
Conclusion
The Book of Jeremiah ends with the tragic reality of Jerusalem’s destruction and Judah’s exile to Babylon (chapters 39–52), fulfilling the very warnings Jeremiah proclaimed for decades. Yet, it is not a message of despair—it also points forward to God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. The prophecies of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34) and future restoration reveal God’s ultimate plan to redeem His people. Jeremiah’s ministry demonstrates that God’s word is unchanging, His justice is certain, and His mercy is always available to those who return to Him with a sincere heart. Even in judgment, God is working for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Jeremiah 9
In Jeremiah 9, God is revealed as deeply relational and grieved by the sins of His people. He is the God of truth, justice, and steadfast love, who cannot tolerate deceit and treachery. His holiness requires that sin be confronted, yet His call to glory in knowing Him shows His desire for an intimate relationship with His people. Even in judgment, His longing is for hearts that delight in His righteousness.
The name Yahweh is present in this chapter, underscoring God’s covenant relationship with His people. As Yahweh, He calls them to know Him personally and to boast only in understanding His character. The lesson He teaches is that real wisdom and worth are not found in human achievements or self-reliance but in truly knowing and walking with the Lord.
Jeremiah 10
In Jeremiah 10, God reveals Himself as the incomparable Creator, the only true and living God. He is sovereign over all creation, controlling nature with His power, unlike idols that are lifeless and powerless. His majesty is displayed in the storms, rain, and lightning, showing that His authority extends over heaven and earth. God is not only powerful but also attentive to His people’s cries for mercy and justice.
The title Yahweh Elohim (The LORD God) is reflected here in His role as both covenant-keeper and all-powerful Creator. The lesson He teaches is that trusting in idols or man-made securities leads to destruction, but reverence for the living God brings stability and life. He calls His people to reject false gods and stand in awe of His unmatched greatness.
Jeremiah 11
In Jeremiah 11, God is revealed as the covenant-keeping Judge who demands faithfulness from His people. He is righteous in holding them accountable to the promises they made, and He does not overlook rebellion. His justice is firm, yet His warnings show He desires His people’s return before judgment falls. God’s defense of Jeremiah against those plotting against him also reveals His role as a protector of His servants.
No specific Hebrew names are newly introduced in Jeremiah 11, but His actions reflect Yahweh—the faithful God of the covenant. The lesson He teaches is that covenant relationship with Him is not merely symbolic but binding, and breaking it has real consequences. Loyalty to God must be marked by obedience, and those who oppose His truth will ultimately face His judgment.
Jeremiah 12
In Jeremiah 12, no specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned, but His character is revealed through His responses to Jeremiah’s complaint. God is shown as righteous, sovereign, and all-knowing, perfectly aware of the condition of His people and the hearts of both the wicked and the faithful. He is also portrayed as a just Judge who will not allow evil to go unpunished, yet compassionate enough to extend the hope of restoration to repentant nations. We can relate to Him as the One who understands our struggles with injustice and invites us to bring our honest questions before Him.
The lesson God teaches in Jeremiah 12 is that His justice operates on His perfect timing, not ours, and that faith must endure through both present and future trials. He reminds Jeremiah that greater challenges will come, and those who serve Him must be spiritually prepared to face them. God also shows that betrayal, even from close relationships, can be part of the cost of obedience, yet His purposes and restoration plan remain steadfast for those who turn to Him.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jeremiah 9 reveal God’s grief and compassion toward His people despite their sin?
In what ways does Jeremiah 10 highlight God’s power and supremacy over idols?
What does God’s reminder of the covenant in Jeremiah 11 show about His faithfulness to His word?
How does Jeremiah 12 display God’s willingness to listen to honest questions from His servants?
What do these chapters reveal about God’s balance between mercy and judgment?
How does God’s response to Jeremiah in chapter 12 reveal His understanding of human struggles with injustice?
How do these chapters show God’s ultimate desire for repentance and restoration rather than destruction?
Questions About Themes:
How does the theme of covenant faithfulness versus rebellion run through Jeremiah 9–12?
What does the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols in Jeremiah 10 teach about true worship?
How does the prosperity of the wicked in Jeremiah 12 tie into the theme of God’s justice and timing?
How is betrayal by family and community in Jeremiah 12 connected to the cost of obedience?
What role does repentance play in avoiding God’s judgment in these chapters?
How do these passages emphasize the importance of truth and integrity in a corrupt society?
How is the theme of God’s sovereignty over all nations displayed in these chapters?
Reflective Application Questions:
How do I respond when I see injustice and the wicked seem to prosper—do I bring my questions to God like Jeremiah did?
Are there areas in my life where I am trusting in human wisdom, strength, or idols instead of the living God?
How am I keeping the covenant relationship with God through obedience in my daily walk?
What steps can I take to prepare spiritually for greater trials, as God warned Jeremiah to do?
How should I respond if faced with betrayal from those closest to me because of my faith?
Do I see God’s judgment as an act of love meant to bring repentance, or only as punishment?
How can I align my life with God’s desire for truth, integrity, and worship that honors Him alone?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
Comments